The Paw Print Code of Ethics

As student journalists, we keep the following standards of ethical news reporting:

• Seek Truth and Report it

  1. Report factually without bias or judgment. 

  2. Fact check before releasing news. Have up-to-date information.

     1. It’s more important that the story is accurate than quick.

     2. As you learn more about the event, update your story. Publish retractions if necessary.

  3. Use honest methods of gathering information; no invasion of privacy.

  4. Support others’ views even if you don’t agree with them.

  5. Avoid stereotyping/bias.

  6. Be aware of who you’re interviewing and be mindful of their experiences.

  7. Identify the source of your information clearly so that the reader understands it.

  8. Provide the source material for facts to the greatest extent possible.

  9. Never plagiarize.

  10. Keep a focused story.

  11. Keep yourself and your opinions out of the story except in case of editorials and reviews.

• Minimize Harm

  1. Always respect “off-the record” vs “on-the-record” information and source anonymity.

     1. If something is “off-the-record,” you CANNOT use that information in your article; you have to confirm it from a different source. 

  2. News stations and journalists recognize that humans and all members of the public deserve respect. Balance providing the truth and making people uncomfortable. 

  3. Show compassion for those affected by the story.

  4. Pursuit of news doesn’t give a journalist the right to be rude or arrogant.

  5. Consider cultural differences and how certain stories may affect people of different cultures.

  6. Be extra sensitive to those who can’t give consent to give the information or were victimized in a situation.

  7. Realize that while you’re legally permitted to publish a story, sometimes you ethically shouldn’t.

  8. All people have a right to their privacy.

  9. People have a right to the truth.

  10. Consider implications of stories before they are published, specifically stories about criminals who aren’t charged yet.

  11. Consider the long term affect and reach of the story.

  12. Provide more information as updates come in.

• Act Independently 

  1. Avoid conflicts of interest; if you are selling something or running for a position, do not write about the topic.

  2. Refuse special treatment/bribes.

     1. Favoritism behavior (“picking” favorites or treating a certain person differently/better than others) 

     2. Be aware of offers that offer money/gifts/favors.

     3. Don’t bribe your way or be bribed into reporting something.

  3. Avoid personal opinions.

  4. Avoid outside activities that may compromise your integrity. (Journalists are public figures. For example, you should avoid having a romantic relationship with someone you are interviewing or reporting on.)

  5. Resist external pressure to write a story or coverage for a paper.

  6. Differentiate news from advertising.

  7. Label sponsored content.

• Be accountable and transparent 

1. Always take the blame for any mistakes in your work. 

2. Try your best to be honest without bias. 

3. When interviewing someone be prepared and informed about what you're asking them. 

4. When interviewing about a topic, be informed about the topic itself because if the interviewer were to ask you something about it you would know a good amount of information on it.

5. If you notice someone who is giving false information, call them out for it.

• Reporting on News in a School

  1. School rules must be abided by at all times. 

  2. All articles represent BHS in a positive light while reporting factual information.

  3. Students’ names and pictures will not be shared unless given permission to do so. 

• Student Publications- Board of Education Policy 

  1. The Board of Education encourages the use of school-sponsored publications for students to express their viewpoints. They shall be free from all policy restrictions outside of the normal rules for responsible journalism (the avoidance of libel, obscenity, defamation, false statements, or material advocating racial or religious prejudice and plagiarism). Student publications shall provide as much opportunity as possible for the expression of all student opinions. The building administrator has final editorial authority over the content of all student publications.

• Controversial issues- Board of Education Policy 

  1. Issues that people have different opinions on should be handled as they take place in the classroom

  2. The teachers should not show their personal views on a given issue, assuming that this viewpoint is not malicious or abusive

  3. Controversial issues should be studied with the ability of both teachers’ and students’ permission

  4. All sides of issues should be explored or uncovered

  5. The teacher will provide resources, materials, and sources as many as they can

     1. The sources should be available from the school library

  6. Students should be encouraged to come to their own conclusion about a certain issue after independent resource

• Academic Freedom - Board of Education Policy 

  1. Students have the freedom to write and publish whatever they want within the schools guidelines. 

  2. Teachers can voice their opinions about the article but cannot force you to take down an article.